Finally the fun begins!

Disclaimer: I do not own CCS

Chapter 14: The First Battle

The door opened as the bell rang. Sakura stood at the door out of breath. Once again, she just made it to her class. The class went silent on seeing her. Sakura looked around, cleared her throat and brought the usual friendly smile on her face.

"Hey everyone. Missed me?" Sakura glowed as she spoke.

Chiharu, Naoko, Yamazaki, Rika and the rest of the class surrounded her half way to her seat and showered her with questions. Meiling and Tomoyo decided to stay back and let the class assault Sakura.

"How are you feeling now?"

"Why did you not tell us that you were coming today?"

"We have to prepare a welcome back party."

"Is your sickness all better now?"

"Why did you not let us come to you in the hospital?"

"What sort of sickness was it?"

"We were so worried for you Sakura-chan."

Sakura felt buried under a mountain of similar questions from her friends and classmates. Everyone looked worried. She never heard about a sickness so figured that Tomoyo made it up to cover her absence. She simply laughed through it all. Her mind was still on Syaoran.

The teacher, Terada came in, "Settle down everyone."

The students hurried back to their seats while Sakura felt happy to reach her seat. She smiled at Tomoyo and Meiling. Tomoyo returned her a friendly smile while Meiling looked at her teasingly. Sakura was confused at this.

Mr Terada smiled a welcome at Sakura, "It is good to see you back in good health Miss Kinomoto."

Sakura smiled, "Thank you sir."

"Well, Miss Kinomoto is not the only one to return. We have an old student return as well. He is joining us all once again starting today. You can come in now."

Syaoran opened the door and confidently came to him. He turned to the class and saw all the familiar faces. Though he tried, his eyes still drifted towards Sakura all the time. The class had a welcoming smile for him and a teasing glint in the eyes having noticed his maximum attention at Sakura. Sakura felt the strange atmosphere in the class and wondered what triggered it. Tomoyo and Meiling simply giggled knowing the reason very well.

Syaoran spoke, "Hello everyone. It is good to be back with you all after such a long time."

Chiharu raised her hand, "So what brought you back?"

Her voice had a teasing tone to it that even Syaoran caught easily. He blushed slightly.

"Well, I…just missed you all."

Everyone gave him a 'yea right' kind of look while Syaoran just blushed further. Sakura's confused face at the strange smiles from the students only worsened his condition. Tomoyo and Meiling were having fun. Meiling noticed that Tomoyo this time had two cameras hidden in her hands. One had Syaoran's face on it while the other was focussed at Sakura. Meiling was not surprised that Tomoyo did not miss this opportunity and was even ready to catch it.

Mr Terada turned to Syaoran, "The seat behind Miss Kinomoto is empty. Why do you not take that?"

Syaoran nodded and went to his seat. All the while, his eyes were locked with Sakura's eyes. They would have been lost forever had the class given them the chance. The watchful eyes everywhere did not give them a chance. Syaoran silently sat behind Sakura while she was still pink on the cheeks. Her heart was floating with happiness.

The door opened and Mr Terada was confused. Then he was surprised. The entire class was shocked after that. Eriol walked in with his always-present mysterious smile holding a piece of paper. He handed it over to Mr Terada who read it and then smiled. He turned to the class.

"Well it seems we have another student back. Funny day today."

Eriol nodded and went to sit behind Tomoyo as always. Syaoran glared daggers at him while Sakura looked surprised as well as happy to see him. The class started. The students were surprised to see Syaoran and Eriol return so suddenly. Eriol knew every mind and was having his fun. Though Sakura and Syaoran could tell that he was cautious since they felt his magic around the school. They knew that he was keeping a watch.

The homeroom ended and the bell rang. Mr Terada collected his things when the door opened again. Everyone saw a grown up man standing outside. Mr Terada nodded to him and turned to the class.

"By the way class, I have a very important announcement to make." Every eye turned to him. Sakura and Syaoran were pale while Eriol just smiled. "I have to go on a leave due to family reasons. Therefore, starting tomorrow, this person here will be your new homeroom teacher." The person came in and smiled friendlily to the students.

The students were awestruck to see their new handsome teacher.

"Everyone. Greet Mr Michal Sullivan. I am sure you will not trouble him when I am away."

Michal spoke, "Hey everyone. What's up?"

He smiled handsomely to make even the boys blush. Tomoyo noticed Sakura and Syaoran pale though. She noticed that Eriol looked amused at his arrival. She knew that something was up with them.

The teachers left together. Three classes later, the students were shocked again to see Michal teaching them already. They did not expect him to teach today itself. He was very good at it as well. By the end of the class, they knew that he was a strict teacher. He would not let anyone talk in his class. His marksmanship with the chalk was unbelievably accurate and powerful. It scared the students but he never hit them.

Lunch break was commotion for Sakura, Syaoran and Eriol. Apparently, Tomoyo told them that Sakura was very sick and could not come. When the class decided to visit her house, her father told them that she was in hospital and could not meet anyone. Thus, they were left waiting for her to recover. Sakura smiled realising how much everyone had supported her. Meiling decided to be mischievous for the couple as she declared that she had arrived to Tomoeda along with Syaoran. However, Syaoran decided to stay with Sakura all day long rather than attend the school without her. The crowd smirked at the embarrassed couple. They denied her words but no one believed it. They were positive that Syaoran had done that. Meiling and Tomoyo had fun with Eriol watching the duo pointlessly try to tell the truth.

The day passed with disturbances. During evening, Syaoran and Sakura met in the penguin park along with Michal and the others. Yelan and Kaho sat on the bench together to talk and watch. Nadeshiko joined them when Michal asked her to. Thus the practice session between the duo, Eriol and Michal began without the guardians and the cards. The duo held their own against Michal while he held back to keep things easy for them. Eriol was stunned that Michal was actually able to defeat his every spell with ease. Michal was still holding back.

Both slept peacefully that night in their respective homes, tired after the day. Eriol stayed in his room with his guardians and Kaho busy with some magic. Yelan noticed Syaoran uncomfortable in his sleep and that brought a smile on her face. She knew that he missed Sakura's presence even unconsciously. She watched Sakura in her wine in the glass. Under Nadeshiko's loving gaze, Sakura slept peacefully. She could understand Nadeshiko's heart. Sakura was finally able to see her mother. Nadeshiko had to wait all these years for this. She had so much to speak about to Sakura. The mother-daughter pair had so much to catch up on. Michal sat by the window watching the pair. Yelan noticed him smile peculiarly that made her feel that he smiled at her. However, Yelan was not surprised. He was a very powerful mage to take on Eriol, Sakura and Syaoran so easily.

The next day at school was no different. Michal was strict but remarkable in his teaching skills. Outside the class, he was friendly with everyone. Sakura and Syaoran were still a bit nervous with him around even during the day though they knew he was just keeping a watch on them. Tomoyo still found it strange and Eriol was enjoying it. During lunch, Sakura, Syaoran, Tomoyo and other sat under the tree outside together to have lunch.

Naoko spoke, "Our homeroom teacher is kind of handsome."

Sakura and Syaoran sweat-dropped. Michal was a hot topic even in other classes. Tomoyo noticed them go awkward at his mention and something struck her.

"By the way Sakura, you looked shocked yesterday when you saw Mr Michal. Is there something you are not telling us but told Syaoran?"

Sakura and Syaoran looked at each other wondering if they should tell them about it. Every eye was on them and they could feel the pressure build up in the air. Eriol smirked from his place knowing everything. The duo still could not decide.

Sakura broke the silence, "The thing is that…" She was still unsure. "Mr Michal is actually a family friend. My mother and he were childhood best friends. He is kind of like my godfather."

The news shocked everyone except Syaoran and Eriol as Tomoyo noticed. Those two knew things already. She turned to Syaoran who simply nodded to confirm before she could say anything.

Chiharu asked, "Why did you not tell us earlier that he would teach us?"

Sakura replied, "I had no idea myself. He told me nothing about it. I was shocked to see him."

Tomoyo asked, "Why did you not tell us earlier that you had a godfather?"

"I knew nothing about it either. I met him for the first time a few days back and my father introduced us. Uncle Michal wanted it that way so father never mentioned him."

The group was surprised. Sakura looked around with uncertainty. She had no idea what they would say now. Eriol calmly ate his lunch.

Yamazaki broke the silence, "Speaking of godfathers, did you know…" Chiharu punched his head with an irritated look. He was going to lie again and everyone knew that Sakura would be the only one to believe his lie.

Tomoyo asked, "Why did he want that?"

Sakura replied, "He must have had his own reasons. Father told me that he is a very nice and intelligent person."

Rika spoke, "He seemed like a nice person to me even if he is a bit strict and scary with chalk."

Syaoran turned to Tomoyo, "Daidouji. Did your mother never mention him to you either? I mean, him being so close to Sakura's mother means he must have been close to your mother as well. Did she mention him to you ever?"

Tomoyo shook her head, "No. This is the first time I have heard about him. Mom always mentioned about herself and Sakura's mom being close. She never mentioned anyone else."

Eriol spoke, "Well I am sure he requested her for it. Anyway, you could talk to her now about him."

Tomoyo nodded at Eriol but he signalled at her cell phone in her bag. She raised her eyebrow while he simply smiled his usual mysterious smile. She took her mobile and got to her feet.

"I will be right back." She did not wait for the response and went away dialling a number.

Sakura and group watched her curiously while she was busy talking to someone calmly. A few minutes later, the call ended and Tomoyo returned the same as before.

Chiharu asked, "Well, who did you talk to?"

"I talked to mom about Mr Michal."

Naoko asked, "How did it go?"

"It was normal in the beginning. When I mentioned his name, she was silent for a while. Next, she said that we will talk about it later and wanted to know where I heard that name. I guess we will be talking once we are home."

Sakura and Syaoran exchanged glances. Eriol smiled hearing her say that. No one besides Eriol knew that Michal was watching them all along from the staff-room window. He caught his glares easily. Probably Michal still did not want to get Sonomi involved just yet.

The classes resumed as always. When the school ended, Tomoyo found her mother waiting for her by the gate with a troubled look. Sonomi did not notice Tomoyo arrive since she was lost in her thoughts. Sakura was surprised as well.

Tomoyo went to Sonomi, "Why are you here mom?"

Sonomi broke out of her thoughts and looked at her daughter. Next she turned to Sakura. Unlike each time, she was not hugging her this time. Instead, Sonomi had a sad look on her face.

"I believe you have met Michal. Am I right Sakura?" Sonomi asked softly.

Sakura nodded. Sonomi took a deep breath and then sighed.

"Let us talk at my place."

A voice came, "I know a better place."

They turned to the voice and saw Michal standing at a little distance. He smiled at Sonomi that was shocked with watering eyes. He walked up to her, took her hand and pulled her in one direction. Sakura, Tomoyo, Eriol and Syaoran followed confused with everything. Sonomi stared at Michal's head with conflicting eyes while she let him lead her. The silence was strange.

Michal led them to the penguin park. It was oddly deserted at this time of the day. No one was around either. Sakura, Syaoran and Eriol felt Michal's magic surrounding that area. They never realised it but they had walked into a closed space created with his magic. Eriol was shocked more than the rest. Michal released Sonomi's hand. She still stared at him with wet eyes. She opened her mouth to speak but a pair of thin glowing hands wound themselves around her neck from behind. Sonomi was surprised. The four were surprised. Nadeshiko had arrived and Sonomi could see her. Sonomi could not control her tears anymore seeing Nadeshiko.

Nadeshiko spoke lovingly, "It has been such a long time Sonomi. Finally, we get to meet."

Sonomi asked, "I never thought I would see you again."

Michal spoke, "Nako and I came often just to see you all, especially you Somi. We were especially hard with you that time when we requested everyone to keep us a secret since you knew everything unlike Fujitaka."

Sonomi nodded, "Yes. I know. Since you have come, I believe it is time already for that."

Nadeshiko glided before her and nodded, "Yes. However, you have nothing to worry. My Sakura is very strong and she has her knight protecting her as well."

Sonomi turned to Sakura and smiled. The four were still surprised.

"Tomoyo. This person is Michal Sullivan. He is Nadeshiko and my oldest friend, like an older brother. After Nadeshiko died, her spirit remained. She was worried about Sakura and the trials she had to face, as she would grow. As a result, Michal took her away with him. Together, they prepared the stage and comfort with which she will face her troubles. For that, no one besides Fujitaka, Touya and Sonomi was to know about him. That is why; neither of us ever mentioned him to anyone as if he did not exist."

Tomoyo immediately put up her question, "What sort of trials?"

Sonomi laughed seeing how Tomoyo wanted to hide the secret from her, "The trial of the Clow cards and the trial that she will face soon."

The four were shocked to hear that from her. Sonomi smiled.

"You snuck out so comfortably in the night. All the dresses you made for Sakura would return torn and dirty. All those videos you shot of Sakura. Do you think I knew nothing?"

The four were shocked further.

"I knew all along. Did I not say that Michal, Nadeshiko and I were very close? Obviously, I would know of their secrets as well. I knew about their magic, Touya's magic and even Sakura's magic. All those weird occurrences regarding the Clow cards were enough to tell me that her first trial had begun. I have no magic of my own but I know about it."

Nadeshiko whispered to Michal, "We need a camera right now. Their reaction is worth recording."

Michal winked at her and Nadeshiko knew he was already at it. Sonomi grew serious now.

"However, the Clow card case was not that dangerous so I never stopped you but this time it is different. This time it will be an all out war with magicians so please stay out of this Tomoyo."

Michal spoke, "She can still design clothes for Sakura and Syaoran."

Sonomi smiled, "Of course she can. I just want her to stay away from the battlefield."

Michal smiled, "By the way, where is my welcome hug?"

Sonomi grinned and jumped at Michal to hug him tight. Nadeshiko just floated by the side with a smile. Eriol controlled his composure while the rest three still found it hard to believe that Sonomi knew everything since the beginning. Eriol still wondered about Michal. He had too much influence on this matter and he knew too much. Yet, he revealed so little. A lot about Michal was still a mystery. Michal and Sonomi continued to hug like lost siblings for a while before Eriol and Michal suddenly flinched. Sakura and Syaoran took a while before they realised the reason.

Michal looked at a distance, "It seems that our little cherry blossom will face her first battle right now. You should go home with Tomoyo."

Sonomi nodded and turned to Sakura, "Good luck Sakura dear. Kick their butts." Sakura felt awkward hearing it from her. "Syaoran. Take care of her." Syaoran nodded nervously.

"Let us go home Tomoyo."

Tomoyo nodded and then fumbled with her bag. She took out two dresses, both for Sakura and Syaoran with twinkling eyes and huge grin. Sakura and Syaoran sweat-dropped wondering where she kept those dresses in that tiny bag. Sonomi smirked as well.

"These are your dresses for today's battle and I do not want to hear a denial. Wear it." Tomoyo commanded them.

Eriol laughed in his head seeing them at Tomoyo's mercy. Nadeshiko and Michal watched the show with amusement. Tomoyo went to Michal and gave her camcorder to him.

"Please record it for me. Though I would love to stay but considering that mom let me stay earlier but wants me away this time, I cannot help but do as she says. Nevertheless, I do not want to miss filming them."

Michal smiled and took the camcorder to the duo's horror. Sonomi hugged Nadeshiko once again and then left with Tomoyo promising to meet them again as soon as possible.

Michal spoke, "You guys ready for your first battle?"

Sakura and Syaoran were nervous. Eriol was calmer though. Michal came to Sakura and stretched his hand as if asking for something. Sakura was confused as she looked at him.

"Sakura book. Give it to me."

Sakura and Syaoran were shocked.

Sakura asked, "But how will I fight if I do not have my cards?"

Michal replied, "I think you did fair against me without your cards."

"But…"

"You still cannot control the output of your magic well enough. That is why I asked you to not use them until I tell you to. In the heat of the battle, the control worsens. Too much magic can kill your cards. That is why; I will keep them with me so that you do not summon a card even accidentally. Until then, even your guardians are staying out of the battle."

Sakura immediately took out her book and gave it to Michal. He just smiled and kissed her cheek. Nadeshiko kissed her other cheek. Syaoran smiled to see Sakura smile. Eriol was alert all the while.

Michal spoke, "I think you can leave this battle to these two Eriol. You concentrate on other important things from the shadows. That would be helpful for them in the future."

Eriol nodded and vanished with a pop. Nadeshiko dashed into Michal's shirt pocket and watched them from there. He winked at the surprised duo and they felt the magic from around the area disappear. People began to move enter the park and it soon became busy.

Michal spoke, "You two still need to get changed. Get to some roof and be ready to battle in ten minutes. I will cast the time spell when you are done."

Sakura and Syaoran nervously looked at the dress package in their hands and nodded.

Ten minutes later, Sakura and Syaoran were standing on the roof of adjacent buildings in Tomoyo's dress. Both were embarrassed but they were scared of Tomoyo when she got angry. They looked like a court jester mirror to each other. Yet, Syaoran could not help but think that Sakura looked cute even in that dress. Michal with Nadeshiko in his pocket looked amused before them recording everything in Tomoyo's camcorder.

Michal spoke, "I wonder what your opponent will think when she sees you."

Both blushed further with embarrassment. Michal clicked his finger and time stopped immediately. Sakura and Syaoran clutched their weapons cautiously. They saw some movement far away and knew it was their opponent arriving to them at great speed.

Michal spoke, "Emi Shinohara. She is a sorceress with honour and pride. She is strong but I am sure you can handle her. Try your best and do not try to talk her out of it. She is here solely to fight for her clan. She considers that her opinion is useless in battle against the knowledge and experience of the elders. She will not listen to a word you say. Good luck."

The duo nodded and Michal floated to behind them while still recording them. He turned invisible to the opponent after that. Sakura and Syaoran watched a figure approach them at high speed.

In a flash, a young girl in late teens stood before them in black travelling cloak. She looked at both and then raised her eyebrow in irritation. She straightened up looking furious.

"Are you two kids trying to mock me? What kind of stupid dress is that?" The girl was angry.

Sakura and Syaoran looked at each other for a second. Both had the same thoughts.

Sakura spoke, "Trust us. We would not be wearing something this embarrassing if we had a choice."

The girl seemed to calm down at this. She scrutinised both the dresses carefully.

"Is that supposed to boost your magic somehow?"

The duo fell flat on their face at this since the girl did not seem to be joking with her words.

Syaoran replied, "No. They are ordinary clothes. The creator of these dresses is someone scary that is why we wear it. There is nothing out of the ordinary about it."

Silence prevailed for a few moments. No one moved at all. Suddenly a rod with a blue crystal on the top appeared in her hand and the duo became alert.

"My name is Emi Shinohara. I am a trainee mage from the Shinohara clan. I am here to finish you two off. Get ready to meet your maker."

She charged an electric ball before her staff and sent it flying at Sakura. Syaoran seized this chance to attack her with his sword. Emi did not even flinch and was ready with a wall of ice. Sakura dodged the ball and sent a fireball at Emi. Emi countered it easily with a jet of water while Syaoran dodged the steam produced in the process. Emi had directed it at him. Something grazed Emi's cheek and she felt blood ooze out from the cut. She was surprised and looked towards Sakura. The next moment, she dodged some invisible blades that she could only tell through her magic senses. However, she still took more cuts.

Emi jumped away to catch some time and perform some bigger spell. The duo jumped at her together and Emi was left countering their attacks one after the other. They were all small scale but she barely managed to dodge or counter it. At the beginning, Emi felt she could beat them but the duo turned to tides so soon and so easily. Emi was surprised at the change. With an explosion around her, she managed to send the duo in retreat while she used the time to chant something. Sakura and Syaoran noticed her chanting and decided to keep a distance and be wary.

A mass of energy collected before Emi's chest. She took it in her hand and chanted something else. Thick ropes of light emerged out of it and darted towards the duo. Sakura and Syaoran flew away from the ropes cutting those that caught up. Emi continued to control the ropes and try to bind the duo. Suddenly Syaoran changed direction and flew towards Emi at great speed. Emi directed the ropes to capture him. Syaoran escaped them while flying through the mesh of ropes. Sakura continued to dodge at a little distance.

Emi was surprised that Syaoran was managing to dodge everything so easily. She knew he was trained in martial arts and that was helping him but she was surprised that he could control his flight so well. She was not ready for him to get near her and could not counter when he kneed her in the stomach. Emi lost control over her ball of ropes and Sakura seized the chance to take the ball from her. It was as if she was waiting for it while she dodged.

Emi recovered from the attack quickly only to be bound by her own ropes. She was shocked to see Sakura easily control them according to her will. The next instant, the ball dissipated and the ropes disappeared. Emi was free. Her rod transformed into a sword and she attacked Sakura. Syaoran stood next to Sakura to help her. However, Emi and Syaoran did not get the chance to clash. Yellow ropes of light bound Emi in mid air restricting all movements. Syaoran was surprised to see the ropes connected to Sakura's six-starred wand. Emi struggled to free herself but nothing worked. Her sword would go through the ropes without causing them any damage.

Emi spoke, "What sort of magic is this? You two should be at such a high level. That is not fair."

Sakura spoke, "Please miss Emi. Accept your defeat and we will let you go. We do not want to hurt you."

Emi glared at the poor girl, "Never. My clan wishes for your death and I will give it to them."

Syaoran shook his head and then flew to her in a flash. He punched her hard in the stomach in the attempt to make her lose consciousness. Emi took the damage but did not fall. She stayed awake. Sakura loosened the ropes to make it easy for the girl but Emi escaped. The duo knew that the battle would continue. Before Emi could recover, they came on her either side. Sakura brought her staff before Emi's chest and beam of light blew Emi away. Syaoran was ready with a wall of sand behind her to trap her in it. Before Emi could escape, Sakura sent several air shards around Emi. Emi forgot to move for a second out of fear knowing that if even one of those shards hit her, she would die. Syaoran came opposite Emi and with a wave of his sword, transformed the sand into hard rock. Emi broke through the rock but Syaoran's sword was on her neck this time. Emi knew that she had lost. Either of them could have finished her off anytime they wished but they did not.

Emi hung her head, "I…I lost. How…"

Syaoran withdrew his sword and went to Sakura.

Sakura smiled at Emi, "Return home miss Emi. Tell your clan that we can be friends."

Emi was surprised for a moment and then hung her head further.

"My clan sees you two as threats to them in the future. I doubt they will consider anything like friendship with you. Being your friends will only increase enemies for the clan."

Emi turned and left. Sakura was saddened to hear that. Syaoran felt bad seeing Sakura sad. The time started to flow again and Michal appeared to them.

"You two did well. That was an easy victory. However, the battles in the future will only get tougher so you two need to work harder. Good job."

Sakura and Syaoran nodded.

End of Chapter 14

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